The cinematic equivalent of a theme-park rollercoaster. Sure, its overall tone is mostly cheesy and everything about it screams “eighties” (you decide if that’s a good or bad thing) but this is huge, preposterous fun. Things blow up spectacularly, stereotypical bad European guys get beaten up and bloodied, John McClane (Willis) cracks some witty one-liners.

The writing, the cinematography and Bruce Willis at the top of his game make this an undisputable action classic which some consider to be the alternative Christmas movie. It’s Alan Rickman, though, who steals the whole show as “exceptional thief” Hans Gruber. I know this came before, but I didn’t think of Severus Snape once. Rickman is splendid as the memorable baddie. I have to say, I had a feeling I wouldn’t enjoy this one, but I’m happy to report I did. Yippee-ki-yay, motherfuckers!

I’d recommend skipping Die Hard 2: Die Harder and avoid Die Hard: with a Vengeance, with your life. But I’d highly recommend Live Free or Die Hard, and then you may perhaps join me in anticipating A Good Day to Die Hard. It’s my most anticipated for 2013.

Great fun this one, a real action classic, glad you gt around to seeing it. I’m not a fan of the second one, thought it was a bit boring, but i do quite like the third. Haven’t bothered with the fourth though and I doubt I will the fifth either.

I’m just not sure I can see Brucey as a full on action hero any more! I lost interest when I heard something about him riding on top of a fighter jet or something in the fourth one. Think it’s time he hung up the wife beater vest! 😉

nicely written Fernando. short but meaningful review for a classic. this film was definitely a roller coaster ride. and yes, Alan Rickman steals the show. i would recommend seeing Die Hard 2 (Die Harder) if you decide to view the sequels.

Great review, Fernando. Love that poster, too! I haven’t seen any of the Die Hard films, although every Christmas Rob attempts to get me to watch this. It hasn’t happened yet, so maybe next Christmas will be the time!